Monthly Archives: May 2013

Threats to Bee Colonies linked to Global Food Security

                            Photo from: http://www.earthtimes.org/nature/bad-news-bees-colonies/444/

Article Reprinted From: http://www.earthtimes.org/nature/bad-news-bees-colonies/444/#OQTT9dCAoWcWSmhq.99

A report, Global Honey Bee Colony Disorders and other Threats to Insect Pollinators, was published today by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and analyses the latest research into declining bee populations.
Threats include increasing use of pesticides, air pollution, parasites and declines in flowering plants. The use of chemical insecticides is increasing and the different insecticides are acting as a ‘lethal cocktail’, deadly to bee species.
In addition, an estimated 20,000 flowering plant species, upon which many bee species depend for food, could be lost over the next few decades. Climate change is adding to the bees’ problems by changing the flowering times of plants and affecting rainfall patterns.
Scientists are warning that we need to rethink the way in which humans manage the planet if we are to feed a growing world population. Bees and other pollinators are hugely important in global food production and integral to healthy ecosystems.
Without pollination, many flowering crops would yield little or no fruit. Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, said: ”The fact is that of the 100 crop species that provide 90 per cent of the world’s food, over 70 are pollinated by bees”.
The UNEP report shows that boosting bee populations could improve food security and ensure that both important crops and threatened wild plants are protected. The authors of the report make several suggestions.
Firstly, an incentive scheme for landowners to restore pollinator-friendly habitats, including key flowering plants next to crop-producing fields. This would benefit both farmers and bee populations.

Products associated with bee deaths lethal to birds, other wildlife

Jason Plautz

E&E reporter

A widely used class of pesticides linked to widespread bee deaths also poses a health threat to birds, aquatic creatures and other wildlife, according to a report out March 19.

Public health advocates and environmentalists have long targeted neonicotinoids, saying they are at least partially responsible for the deaths of roughly one-third of the country’s bees each year since 2006. But the new report, commissioned by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), says the insecticides are also lethal to birds and could affect entire ecosystems, including aquatic systems.

In light of the findings, the ABC is calling on U.S. EPA to ban the use of neonicotinoids in seed treatments and suspend their application until an independent review can be completed.

“It is clear that these chemicals have the potential to affect entire food chains,” said report co-author Cynthia Palmer, pesticides program manager for ABC. “The environmental persistence of the neonicotinoids, their propensity for runoff and for groundwater infiltration, and their cumulative and largely irreversible mode of action in invertebrates raise significant environmental concerns.”

A previous request to ban clothianidin, a neonicotinoid pesticide, was rejected by EPA in July (Greenwire, July 25, 2012). And earlier this month, a vote to ban the pesticides by the European Union failed.

The report, written by environmental toxicologist Pierre Mineau, reviewed more than 200 existing studies, including industry research. The evidence, Mineau said, showed that neonicotinoids can prove more toxic to birds in lower doses than the pesticides they were designed to replace.

A single corn kernel coated with one of the pesticides would be enough to kill a songbird, the report warned, and smaller doses were associated with reproductive and neurological problems.

EPA, said Mineau, has underestimated the toxicity of the chemicals in birds by a factor of anywhere from 1.5 to 10 times depending on the specific insecticide and bird species. The agency also ought to do more to pressure registrants to help diagnose affected populations, he said.

“It is astonishing that EPA would allow a pesticide to be used in hundreds of products without ever requiring the registrant to develop the tools needed to diagnose poisoned wildlife,” Mineau said.

The report also found contamination levels in surface- and ground-level water systems that were already above the threshold associated with death in aquatic invertebrates. Levels were high enough in areas like California and the Canadian prairies to suggest there could be an impact on the entire aquatic food chain, eventually reaching populations like birds and amphibians.

That, said Mineau, should add more backing to the push to take neonicotinoids out of use, at least until more research is done.

“We’re not saying these impacts are more important than bees, but this is an added piece of the puzzle,” Mineau said at a news conference today.

In a statement, CropLife America, an agribusiness group, said that while “it is critical to protect bird population levels and support biodiversity,” the link between insecticides and any decline in bird populations is “unfounded.”

“CLA is disappointed that the report, which has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal, paints a flawed picture of the Environmental Protection Agency’s risk assessment of crop protection products, industry stewardship and agriculture as a whole,” said Mike Leggett, senior director of environmental policy for CropLife America.

“Our industry continues to conduct studies directed at ensuring that the crop protection products available to farmers can be used safely and will effectively help growers provide nutritious food for communities around the world,” Leggett said.

Neonicotinoids were developed in the 1990s to replace harmful organophosphate pesticides and are now widely used on crops including corn and soy and in some home-gardening products.

Public health advocates say there’s now evidence that the pesticides were rushed to market without proper assessment and are calling for them to be restricted. The bee die-offs have captured headlines, since up to one-third of the U.S. diet depends on insect pollinators.

The Department of Agriculture has conducted several studies on the bee deaths and has said there is no single cause, including pesticides (Greenwire, April 24, 2012). EPA has said it will complete a review the safety of neonicotinoids for honeybees in 2018.

But speaking this morning, Peter Jenkins of the Center for Food Safety said that was “clearly not enough” and called on Congress to “hold EPA’s feet to the fire” by threatening to suspend the use of the product or amend the farm bill to restrict its use. Jenkins also said that EPA should also be pressured to speed up its safety reviews and that its review process for chemicals should be reformed.

To read the report, go to:http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/toxins/Neonic_FINAL.pdf

Outdoor Writers Auction Benefits Youth Outdoor Education

Public auction of outdoor gear to raise money for youth programs

Looking for some good deals on hunting, fishing and other outdoor equipment? If so, plan on attending the Outdoor Writers of Kansas (OWK) auction on May 6 at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 

410 S. 3rd St., Manhattan

.

The event will auction off a variety of outdoor gear to raise money for youth outdoor education programs. Feature items include tickets for the Symphony in the Flint Hills, float trip gift certificate from the Friends of the Kaw, Remington 30-06 rifle, Crossman Pumpmaster pellet gun, tent and foldable cooking station from Coleman Co., Bushnell laser range finder, Bass Pro Shops fly fishing outfit, Brinkman smoker, high-quality rods and reels, hundreds of fishing lures, tackle boxes, waterfowl art prints, books and more.

Proceeds from the event will go to OWK’s annual mission of sending underprivileged children to the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s week-long Outdoor Adventure Camp.

For more information, contact OWK president Brent Frazee at (816) 587-2774 or email[email protected].

KWPT Commission Approves Regulations and Seasons

Commission votes on elk and antelope seasons

The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission conducted a Public Hearing at theGreat Plains Nature Center in Wichita on April 25. Commissioners listened to lively discussion during the afternoon Workshop Session concerning a recommendation by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to prohibit the use of vehicles and radios for coyote hunting during the regular firearm deer season (Dec. 4-15 for 2013). The recommendation was intended to aide law enforcement officers curb illegal deer hunting. Coyote hunters attended the afternoon session to express their concerns about losing hunting opportunities. The recommendation will be discussed again at the commission’s June 27 meeting in Garden City.

During the Public Hearing, commissioners approved establishing short-term RV parking for a fee of $50 per month at Scott, Meade, Glen Elder, Kanopolis and Webster state parks.

Recommendations for standard season dates for 2013 elk and antelope seasons were approved.

For a complete listing of all 2013 hunting season dates, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting / When to Hunt.”

Pheasants Forever Biologists to Conduct CRP Workshops

Pheasants Forever workshops to assist landowners in CRP enrollment

The Farm Service Agency will administer a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up May 20, 2013 through June 14, 2013. To get the word out about this sign-up period and to assist landowners in signing up, Kansas Pheasants Forever biologists will conduct a series of workshops across the state.

The workshops will be set up to answer any questions landowners have about CRP, as well as provide attendees with information on how they can improve their chances of getting accepted through the use of practices beneficial to wildlife. Several of the workshop locations are accepting walk-in customers and appointments to provide one-on-one, site-specific consultations. To find a Pheasants Forever CRP workshop near you, see the list below.

Landowners enrolled in the CRP program receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving covers on eligible farmland. Land that is not currently enrolled in CRP can be offered during sign-up if all eligibility requirements are met. Contracts awarded during this general sign-up will become effective October 1, 2013.

The CRP program was first included in the 1985 Farm Bill to reduce soil erosion by taking land out of production and establishing permanent cover. At the time, it was estimated that topsoil was being lost at a rate of 3 billion tons per year due to erosion. Today’s CRP program has evolved to address issues of water quality, as well as wildlife habitat. In Kansas, CRP has reduced erosion, improved water and air quality, and provided more than 2 million acres of native grass habitat critical to prairie wildlife, including the lesser-prairie chicken.

Abilene
USDA Service Center
May 6
2 p.m.
Atwood
Rawlins Co. USDA ServiceCenter
May 21
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Belleville
USDA Service Center
May 27
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Belleville
USDA Service Center
May 28
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Beloit
USDA Service Center
May 20
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Beloit
USDA Service Center
May 21
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Burlington
Fairgrounds – Kelly Hall
May 17
10 a.m.
Clay Center
Fairgrounds 4-H Building
May 9
2 p.m.
Colby
Meadow Lake Golf Course
May 15
6:30 p.m.
Concordia
USDA Service Center
May 22
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Concordia
USDA Service Center
May 23
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Dighton
Lane County Courthouse
May 9
1 p.m.
Elkhart
Morton County NRCS/FSA
May 7
8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Frankfort
Frankfort Reg. Edu. Center
May 16
7 p.m.
Garden City
Finney Co. Fairgrounds
May 13
12 p.m.
Goodland
Sherman Co. USDA ServiceCenter
May 13
9 a.m. MST/10 a.m. CST
Great Bend
Kansas Wetlands EducationCenter
May 14
9:30 a.m.
Hiawatha
Klinefelter Farm
May 15
6:00 p.m.
Holton
USDA Service Center
May 16
8 a.m.
Hoxie
Midwest Energy Community Room
May 14
8 a.m. CST
Hugoton
Stevens County NRCS/FSA
May 14
8 a.m.–2 p.m., 4 p.m.–5 p.m.
Hugoton
Stevens County Fair Office
May 14
2:30 p.m.
Hugoton
Stevens County Fair Office
May 14
6 p.m.
Hutchinson
Hutchinson Public Library
May 9
2:30 p.m.
Jetmore
USDA Service Center
May 15
8 a.m.
Johnson
Stanton County NRCS/FSA
May 8
7:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Lakin
Kearny County FSA/NRCS
May 17
7 a.m.– 1 p.m.
Liberal
Seward County NRCS/FSA
May 16
8am – 5pm
Liberal
Seward County Activity
May 16
6:00 p.m.
Mankato
Mankato USDA ServiceCenter
May 29
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mankato
Mankato USDA ServiceCenter
May 30
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Marion
Marion City BuildingBasement
May 8
1:00 p.m.
Ness City
USDA Service Center
May 17
8:00 a.m.
Norton
Norton County USDAService Center
May 24
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Oberlin
Decatur County USDAService Center
May 20
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saint John
Stafford County Annex

May 13
9 p.m.
Seneca
Seneca Free Library
May 14
6 p.m.
St. Francis
Cheyenne County USDAService Center
May 22
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sublette
Haskell County NRCS/FSA
May 9
11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Ulysses
Grant County NRCS/FSA
May 9
9:00 a.m.
Ulysses
Grant County NRCS/FSA
May 15
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ulysses
Grant County 4-H Building
May 15
6:30 p.m.
Washington
1st National Bank
May 14
9:30 a.m.
Winfield
Cowley County USDAService Center
May 23
9:00 a.m.
Winfield
Cowley County USDAService Center
May 28
9:00 a.m.
YatesCenter
County Fairgrounds – Bressner Hall
May 17
2:00 p.m.

O.K. Kids Day to be held at Great Plains Nature Center

Youngsters can learn about the invisible power of wind during “Winds Across Kansas” workshop

Invisible, yet extremely powerful, wind is steadily becoming an important source of energy for many Kansas businesses. At the same rate, wind is also an integral part of existence for many wildlife species, which is why the Kansas Wildscape Foundation, along with the Great Plains Nature Center (GPNC) of Wichita, is hosting an O.K. Kids Day, “Winds Across Kansas.”

From 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, youngsters can enjoy a variety of activities including building a kite or birdhouse, archery practice, fishing at Chisholm Island Pond, and much more.

In addition to crafts and outdoor recreation, participants can also sit in on several animal presentations, as well as explore boats made of natural materials.

Event sponsors include the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, the Kansas Wildscape Foundation, Coleman, Wichita Thunder, AmeriCorps, Cabela’s, NuStar Energy, and Natural Grocers.

Concessions will be made available for purchase at the event.

The GPNC is located at 

6232 E 29th Street North, Wichita

.

Participants do not need to pre-register, however those interested in fishing will need to register the day of the event.

For more information, including a complete list of scheduled activities, call (316) 683-5499 ext. 105, or visit www.gpnc.org.

Conservation Federation of Missouri Seeks ED

Missourians for Conservation of Natural Resources and

Protection of our Outdoor Heritage

On September 10, 1935, a group of concerned citizens cared enough to join together with a mission of taking conservation out of politics. Their initiative petition campaign resulted in the creation of the Missouri Department of Conservation. Since then, CFM has undertaken many successful battles to ensure Missouri continues to be the leading state in conservation policies and funding. Today CFM is the largest and most representative conservation group in Missouri. CFM is the Missouri affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

            We now have an opening for Executive Director. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer for CFM. Primary responsibilities include effective implementation of CFM’s mission, goals, policies and procedures with respect for Missouri’s rich conservation heritage.  The Director must have advanced skills in planning, developing, funding, marketing, analyzing and evaluating a wide range of financial, administrative, and managerial programs. Contact CFM for a complete job description for additional details. 

            Those interested in applying need to submit a cover letter and resume to the following address:

Conservation Federation of Missouri

Attention: Micaela Haymaker

728 West Main

Jefferson City, MO 65101

            Email: [email protected]

            For more information on Conservation Federation of Missouri, please visit our website www.confedmo.org

2013 Fishing Atlas now Available

Kansas Fishing Atlas is one-stop shopping for anglers in search of the perfect fishing hole

Packed with over 60 pages of detailed, easy-to-read maps, the 2013 Kansas Fishing Atlas is a must-have for any angler. In addition to maps of public waters, anglers can also find maps of Fishing Impoundment and Stream Habitats (F.I.S.H.) waters, Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP) leased properties, and lakes deemed as Family Friendly Facilities (FFF).

F.I.S.H.

F.I.S.H. sites are privately-owned ponds or streams the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has leased and opened to public fishing. These sites are numbered in red on each map.

CFAP

CFAP leases fishing rights for lakes operated by communities to ensure no additional fees are charged for anglers. More than 200 community lakes, covering nearly 13,000 acres, are enrolled in CFAP for 2013.

FFF

FFF lakes are alcohol-free fishing spots with flush toilets, regular security patrols, security lighting and easy accessibility, making them perfect for family fishing outings. FFF lakes are indicated on the list of CFAP-enrolled properties found at the front of the fishing atlas.

Anglers can obtain the 2013 Kansas Fishing Atlas from most KDWPT offices and license vendors, as well as online at www.ksoutdoors.com

To download an electronic version of the 2013 Kansas Fishing Atlas, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Maps-by-County/2013-Fishing-Atlas.”

25th 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program Contest

by Cindy Higgins and Cynthia Rhodes

                                                Photo by Cindy Higgins

The 25th 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) contest took place April 12 at Flat Rock Ranch, residence of Bob and Karen Henderson, by Hamilton in Greenwood County. Bob and Charlie Lee, Kansas State University, started this contest in 1988. 

Two age groups (9-13 and 14-18 years) competed in this wildlife management contest that required students to identify foods eaten by wildlife, determine wildlife habitat by observing aerial photographs, choose wildlife management practices for a specific species and land area, and write a management plan. 

Competitors, boys and girls, totaled 42 students comprising ten teams and a number of individuals. Event winners were as follows. 

Junior Division: 

1st Individual – Hunter Mericle

2nd Individual – Bailey Haunschild

3rd Individual – Hunter Seacrest

1st Team – Pleasanton FFA B-Team

2nd Team – Newton Jr.

3rd Team – Cowley Junior G Team

Senior Division:

1st Individual – Brooke Falk

2nd Individual – Fritz Berger

3rd Individual – Jennifer Coates

1st Team – Cowley Sr.

2nd Team – Mission Valley 1

3rd Team – Sylvan Grove

The 2013 National Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program will be held in Trafalgar, Indiana at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center on July 21 –July 24. The top Kansas Senior Division team is eligible to compete at this national event.

Information needed to compete in the contest is contained in the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Handbook 2nd Edition, which is on the KWF website (www.kswildlife.org).

Council Grove Regional Envirothon

by Cindy Higgins and Cynthia Rhodes

                                                               Photo by Cindy Higgins

On April 24, 23 teams participated in the Council Grove Regional Envirothon, which was attended by more than two hundred competitors, team advisors, parents, U.S. Army “solider buddies,” NRCS staff, two KWF board members, and others. Teams attended presentations in the morning and were tested in the afternoon. Cold weather prompted organizers to move the event from Canning Creek Cove at the Council Grove Reservoir to the Morris County 4-H Building.

The Kansas Envirothon is an outdoor environmental high school competition where students learn and are tested on soils, forestry, wildlife, aquatics, and a current issue. This year, all teams are required to compete in oral presentations over the topic of grasslands.

The competition results are as follows.

1st place  Clay Center High School

2nd place  White City High School

3rd place  Wakefield High School

4th place  Mission Valley High School

Top teams from the four Kansas Regional Envirothon competitions will compete for the Kansas State Envirothon honors on May 8 at the WebsterConference Center by Salina. More information about the Envirothon contests may be found at the KWF website (www.kswildlife.org).
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